Abstract: A growth of osteoclasts is inhibited by orally administering a liposomal lactoferrin. Thus a bone disease in which the osteoclast is involved is effectively prevented or treated by orally administering the liposomal lactoferrin. The present invention provides an osteoclast growth inhibitor, an oral composition and a preventive and therapeutic agent for bone diseases (osteoporosis, rheumatoid, periodontal diseases with alveolar bone resorption, which contain the liposomal lactoferrin, and a preventive or therapeutic method for the bone diseases. According to the present invention, the growth of the osteoclasts can be inhibited and the bone diseases due to promotion of the osteoclast growth can be prevented or treated.

Abstract: A novel use is disclosed of liposomes that contain phytosterol (e.g., ?-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, ergosterol, and ergostadienol, and so forth). It has been newly discovered that liposomes that contain phytosterol have a cancer metastasis inhibiting activity. Cancer metastasis is inhibited by the oral administration of liposomes that contain phytosterol and these liposomes are therefore useful for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A skin-whitening cosmetic material which contains an unsaturated fatty acid or a derivative thereof as the active ingredient, is highly effective in making the color of pigmentation on the skin lighter at a lower concentration, and is highly safe. The skin-whitening cosmetic material comprises (A) at least one member selected from unsaturated fatty acids having from 18 to 22 carbon atoms and having from 2 to 6 double bonds in the molecular structure, and derivatives thereof, (B) a phospholipid, (C) an antioxidant, (D) at least one member selected from proteins and hydrolyzates thereof, and (E) at least one member selected from muco-polysaccharides and salts thereof.

Abstract: A skin-whitening cosmetic material which contains an unsaturated fatty acid or a derivative thereof as the active ingredient, is highly effective in making the color of pigmentation on the skin lighter at a lower concentration, and is highly safe. The skin-whitening cosmetic material comprises (A) at least one member selected from unsaturated fatty acids having from 18 to 22 carbon atoms and having from 2 to 6 double bonds in the molecular structure, and derivatives thereof, (B) a phospholipid, (C) an antioxidant, (D) at least one member selected from proteins and hydrolyzates thereof, and (E) at least one member selected from muco-polysaccharides and salts thereof.